U.S. patent number 6,269,997 [Application Number 09/375,516] was granted by the patent office on 2001-08-07 for apparatus for actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical instruments for hollow organ anastomosis.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Deutsches Zentrum-fur Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V.. Invention is credited to Matthias Balazs, Ulrich Hagn.
United States Patent |
6,269,997 |
Balazs , et al. |
August 7, 2001 |
Apparatus for actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical
instruments for hollow organ anastomosis
Abstract
For actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical instruments,
more particularly for hollow organ anastomosis, an apparatus
comprises at the proximal end of a shank part a handle part (2)
secured releasably and correctly positioned thereto. A pivotable
toggle mechanism is fitted to the handle part, the pivotable toggle
mechanism cooperating releasably with the proximal end of a
flexible, force-transmitting reciprocating part guidingly
accommodated in the shank part. The proximal end of the
reciprocating part is connected to an adjusting mechanism in the
handle part. At the distal end of the reciprocating part a
connector for connecting a surgical instrument is provided. At the
distal end of the shank part a connector is provided for connecting
a housing of the surgical instrument. Fitted to the distal end of
the flexible reciprocating part is a pusher transmitting an axial
compression force to the body of the surgical instrument.
Inventors: |
Balazs; Matthias (Grafrath,
DE), Hagn; Ulrich (Wessling, DE) |
Assignee: |
Deutsches Zentrum-fur Luft-und
Raumfahrt e.V. (Bonn, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
7877792 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/375,516 |
Filed: |
August 17, 1999 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 17, 1998 [DE] |
|
|
198 37 258 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
227/175.1;
227/176.1; 227/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/115 (20130101); A61B 17/1155 (20130101); A61B
2017/0046 (20130101); A61B 2017/2905 (20130101); A61B
2017/2922 (20130101); A61B 2017/2931 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/115 (20060101); A61B 17/03 (20060101); A61B
17/28 (20060101); A61B 17/00 (20060101); A61B
017/068 () |
Field of
Search: |
;227/175.1,19,176.1,179.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3818983 |
|
Dec 1988 |
|
DE |
|
9018151 |
|
Dec 1996 |
|
DE |
|
4091825 |
|
Mar 1992 |
|
JP |
|
7233456 |
|
Sep 1995 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Smith; Scott A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Browdy and Neimark
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical
instruments, more particularly for hollow organ anastomosis
wherein
at the proximal end of a shank part (1) a handle part (2) is
secured releasably and correctly positioned,
a pivotable toggle mechanism (21, 22) is fitted to said handle part
(2), said pivotable toggle mechanism (21, 22) cooperating
releasably with the proximal end of a flexible, force-transmitting
reciprocating part (32,45) guidingly accommodated in said shank
part (1), the proximal end of said reciprocating part (32, 45)
being connected to an adjusting mechanism (4) in said handle part
(2),
at the distal end of said reciprocating part (32, 45) a connector
(46) for connecting a surgical instrument is provided,
at the distal end of said shank part (1) a connector (14) is
provided for connecting a housing of said surgical instrument,
fitted to the distal end of said flexible reciprocating part (32)
is a pusher (34) transmitting an axial compression force to the
body of said surgical instrument,
said force-transmitting reciprocating part comprises first and
second components, said first component being coupled to said
adjusting mechanism for operating said adjusting mechanism and said
second component being coupled to the body of the surgical
instrument and being operable for transmitting the axial
compression force to the body of the surgical instrument,
said first component and second component are movable independently
of one another,
said toggle mechanism comprises a lever (21) pivotably mounted
between mounting pads (28) and a leg (22) movably connected to said
lever (21), said leg (22) cooperating releasably for transmitting
an axial force produced by means of said lever (21) to the proximal
end of said flexible reciprocating part (32), and
for releasably mounting said leg (22) in said flexible
reciprocating part (32), an intersecting groove (315, 316)
comprising a transverse and longitudinal groove is provided in said
connector (31) applied to the proximal end of said flexible
reciprocating part (32), correspondingly configured tee-shaped
windows (261 or 1111) being assigned to said intersecting groove
(315, 316) in said handle housing (26) and in a connector (11)
provided at the proximal end of said shank part (1).
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein to safeguard
against accidental actuation of said toggle mechanism a lock (211)
is integrated in said lever (21) thereof.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein for securing said
shank part (1) to said handle part (2) a fastener nut (13) is
accommodated freely rotatable on said connector (11) fixedly
connected to the proximal end of said shank part (1) and said
connector (11) comprising a stop (111) common to both said fastener
nut (13) and to said handle housing (26).
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein an indicator (222)
for indicating the position of said adjusting mechanism (4) in the
free adjustment range, an-indicator (251) for checking that said
adjusting mechanism (4) is arrested and a scale (253) for
indicating the adjustment width of a gap are provided on said
tubular handle housing (26).
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the middle part
(41) of said adjusting mechanism (4) is guided in said shank part
(1) locked in place rotatively.
6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said middle part
(41) is guided locking in place rotatively by a pin (413)
protruding therefrom in a longitudinal groove (115) of said shank
part (1) and is coaxially guided in said handle housing (26) by a
circular-cylindrical raised face (412).
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein for transmitting
an axially oriented force along said shank tube (12;12') said
connector (31) coaxially guided in said handle part (2) is fixedly
connected to said flexible reciprocating part (32) by two stiff
bodies embedded therein (32).
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said stiff bodies
are metal bodies (33).
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
component of said force-transmitting reciprocal part comprises a
core (45) connected to said adjusting mechanism (4) and
accommodated in a preferably centrally arranged working passage
(312, 3223) of said flexible reciprocating part (32).
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein for limiting the
travel of said axial shiftable reciprocating part (32) a stop
(3191) is configured on said connector (31) as well as a stop (112)
on said connector (111).
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible
reciprocating part (32) comprises alternating recesses (321) and
circular-cylindrical sections (322) for guiding in a straight or
bent shank tube (12 or 12').
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
component of said force-transmitting reciprocal component comprises
a core(45), and for shifting said core (45), said middle part (41)
of said adjusting mechanism (4) is secured to the proximal end of
said core, said adjusting mechanism (4) being shiftable by means of
a spindle (42) rotatively movable in a limited range and axially
guided in said handle part.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein for transmitting
an adjustment movement a handwheel (43) is provided as an operating
control element in said adjusting mechanism (4) cooperating with
said spindle (42).
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein for transmitting
an operating control moment from said handwheel (43) to said
spindle (42) a pin (436) engaging a groove (425) is provided.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said adjusting
mechanism (4) for adjusting said required gap width is arrested by
an inner serration (431) of said handwheel (43) being springingly
maintained mated with the outer serration (471) of a latch (47)
connected to said middle part (41).
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connector
for connecting a surgical instrument to the distal end of said
shank part (1) is configured as a push button fastener (14) with
push buttons (51) provided on flexible tabs.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein for deflecting a
flexible shank tube (12") tractive driver means (191", 192") are
secured to the proximal end thereof diametrally opposed, the
opposite ends of which are secured to connectors (181", 182")
guided in a rotary hollow ring (15") so that rotation of said
hollow ring (15") shifts said connectors (181", 182") by the same
amount in the opposite direction.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein guide links
(151") having a constant or variable ramp are configured in said
hollow ring (15"), protruding noses (17") being received by
semi-circular connectors (181", 182") in said guide links.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus for actuating a variety of
interchangeable surgical instruments, more particularly for
anastomosis (i.e parting, closing and connecting) of hollow
organs.
Known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,468 is a surgical suture stapler
including a reusable unit made up of a handle part and shank part
as well as a mountable disposable head unit. This instrument
comprises a pistol-type handle part and a straight shank part which
cannot be separated from each other. The shank part is configured
as a rigid, straight tube.
A mountable disposable head unit in the form of the suture stapler
comprising suture staples, a staple ejector, a circular scalpel, a
mandrel as well as an anvil is secured to the distal end of the
shank part by means of a bayonet lock or a threaded connector.
Known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661 is a suture stapler in which
neither the shank nor the head is separable from the handle part
and shank part respectively. Merely an anvil and a pin can be
separated from the shank part. Furthermore the handle part cannot
be disassembled and the whole instrument is devised exclusively for
once-only use.
The known suture stapler, like other non-reusable surgical
instruments, has various disadvantages which have proved to be
nuisance in actual practice, although not each and every one of
these instruments has all of the disadvantages as listed in the
following, they usually having, however, several of these
disadvantages at the same time.
The known instruments generally are too heavy, some of these
instruments requiring for their actuation excessive operating
forces and/or failing to incorporate feedback information means,
for example, in the form of "stapling or cut performed".
Non-reusable circular instruments involve high costs simply from
the fact that they can only be used once and then need to be
disposed of.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus the object of the invention to design and implement an
apparatus for actuating surgical instruments which is low-weight,
requiring little force to operate and which more particularly is to
be reused.
In an apparatus for actuating a variety of interchangeable surgical
instruments in accordance with the invention a handle part is
secured releasably and properly located to the proximal end of a
shank part. Attached to the handle part is a pivotable toggle
mechanism releasably in contact with the proximal end of a
flexible, force-transmitting reciprocating part guidingly
accommodated in the shank part. The proximal end of the
reciprocating part is connected to an adjusting mechanism in the
handle part. Connected to the distal end of the force-transmitting
reciprocating part is a connector for producing a connection to a
surgical instrument. Provided at the distal end of the
reciprocating part is a push button fastener for attaching a
housing of the surgical instrument whilst applied to the distal end
of the flexible reciprocating part is a part transmitting an axial
compressive force to the body of the surgical instrument.
In the apparatus of the invention the handle part may be
disassembled for the purpose of cleaning/sterilization to advantage
without requiring any tools. By means of a toggle mechanism
provided on the handle part a higher force may be applied towards
the end, for example, of a stapling action and excision so that a
satisfactory tissue cut is reliably assured.
In the apparatus in accordance with the invention an adjusting
mechanism permits to particular advantage a swift approximation,
for example, of an anvil to a staple cartridge and in addition
subsequently a vernier adjustment e.g. of a tissue gap. During
approximation, i.e. movement of the anvil an axial adjustment is
implemented which is transmitted via an internal pusher to an
operating control on the handle part. For vernier adjustment a
mechanism is provided which translates this axial movement into a
rotary movement. This rotary movement is locked out during an
operation, as a result of which the axial position of the adjusting
mechanism is fixed in place.
Accordingly, in the apparatus in accordance with the invention the
adjusting mechanism is automatically arrested in the vernier
adjustment range and is thus unable to become displaced in
performing the operation, for example, during a stapling action. A
positive lock of the rotary movement enables very fine indexing of
the vernier adjustment range to be achieved.
The shank part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention
comprises a mechanism to transmit a predetermined force, for
example. during a stapling action, as well as a predetermined
travel, such as, for example, an adjustment travel for an anvil,
whereby the force and the adjustment travel may be applied or
implemented for both straight and single-axis bent shank tubes.
In apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises only two
assemblies comprising a few elements suitable for reuse, simple to
assemble locked in place and to disassemble, each of which is
simple to clean and thus simple to resterilize. Via a
push-button/mounting fastener designed for facilitated operation a
variety of head units may be connected to the apparatus in
accordance with the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be detained by way of preferred embodiments
with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIGS. 1a and 1b is each a schematic, perspective view of a
preferred embodiment of a handle part as well as of a shank part
released therefrom:
FIG. 2a is a plan view, not true to scale, of a mechanism in the
shank part as well as
FIG. 2b is a magnified detail illustration of a partial portion of
that as shown in FIG. 2a;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an adjusting mechanism;
FIG. 4 is an axial section view of the handle part secured to the
shank part with the operating control part actuated;
FIG. 5 is a axial section view, corresponding to that as shown in
FIG. 4, of the handle part secured to the shank part with the
operating control part non-actuated;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handle and shank parts joined
to each other and a fitted disposable head unit indicated
schematically;
FIG. 7a is an axial section view through the end part of the shank
part showing a connector for a mandrel and, for example, a staple
cartridge;
FIG. 7b is a magnified illustration of a detail of the end part as
shown in FIG. 7a;
FIG. 7c is an illustration in perspective of the end part of the
shank part and a receiving mount for the mandrel,
FIG. 7d is a magnified illustration in perspective of a push button
fastener at the distal end of the shank part including a push
button mechanism ssigned thereto at the proximal end of a staple
cartridge;
FIG. 7e is an illustration showing a modified variant of the distal
end of the shank part and one proximal end of a staple cartridge
adapted thereto;
FIG. 8a illustrates a straight oriented, pliable shank tube, a
shank tube bent to the right being indicated dashed:
FIG. 8b is a magnified section illustration of a detail of a distal
shank tube end, and
FIG. 8c is an exploded view in perspective illustrating the
component parts for controlling the shank tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now FIGS. 1a to 3 there are illustrated partially in
perspective the various assemblies, i.e. shank part assembly 1
(FIG. 1a), handle part assembly 2 (FIG. 1b), mechanism assembly 3
in the shank part 1 (FIGS. 2a and 2b) and adjusting mechanism
assembly 4 (FIG. 3).
The following describes firstly the various elements of the handle
part 2 as well as of the shank part 1. The handle part 2 comprises
a tubular housing 26, a pivotable lever 21 as well as a leg 22;
whereby lever 21 and leg 22 form together a toggle.
Referring now to FIG. 6 there is illustrated provided an indicator
252 configured as a window for verifying whether the adjusting
mechanism 4 is in the vernier adjustment range, an indicator 251
for checking that the adjusting mechanism is arrested and a scale
253 for a set gap width. In addition an assembly groove 27 (see
FIG. 4) is configured on the housing 26 to ensure proper location
in fitting the shank part 1 to the distal end of the latter. The
pivotable lever 21 is mounted pivotable by means of a pin 283 in
two mounting pads 28. The leg 22 is movingly connected to the lever
21 via a pin 221 (FIGS. 4 and 5). At the end facing away from the
pin 221 the leg 22 comprises a transverse pin 222 (FIG. 4)
producing a connection to the mechanism assembly 3 via an
intersection groove (FIG. 2a) formed by a transverse groove 315 and
a longitudinal groove 316 to a connector 31 of flexible
reciprocating part 32.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a and 1b there is illustrated that for
assembly/disassembly the transverse pin 222 fixedly connected to
the leg 22 is insertable and removable into/from the transverse
groove 315 through tee-shaped windows 261 and 1111 configured in
the housing 26 of the handle part 2 and equivalently in a connector
11 of the shank part 1.
It is precisely then, when the toggle 21, 22 is fully open that the
leg 22 may be inserted with its transverse pin 222 into the
transverse groove 315 in the connector 31 through the tee-shaped
windows 261, 1111. During operation a narrow portion 1112 of the
tee-shaped window 1111 prevents the leg 22 from springing out of
place from the connector 31.
During assembly/disassembly, toggle 21, 22 can only be opened
further than as shown in FIG. 5 when as regards a cavity 281 (FIG.
4) a fastener nut 13 is not screwed onto a thread 262 of the
housing 26, as a result of which in assembly/disassembly the toggle
21, 22 may be oriented so that the transverse pin 222 locates
within a wide portion 1113 of the tee-shaped window 1111 thus
enabling the toggle 21, 22 to be separated from the connector 31 of
the flexible reciprocating part 32.
Via the pin 283 the lever 21 is movably or pivotably connected to
the mounting pads 28 of the housing 26 between which lever 21 and
leg 22 of the toggle can thus be moved. At the same time due to the
configuration of the mounting pads 28 of lever 21 and leg 22 there
is no risk of gripping occurring accidentally between lever 21 and
leg 22.
Integrated in the lever 21 is a lock 211 (see FIG. 5) preventing
unwanted actuation of the toggle, a leg spring 212 relatching the
lock 211, for example, following implementation of a stapling
action and having achieved the toggle position as shown in FIG.
5,
The shank part assembly 1 is fixedly connected to the proximal
(i.e. facing the operator) end in the handle part assembly 2 and at
the distal (i.e. facing away from the operator) end a staple
cartridge 5 indicated merely schematically in FIG. 6 and not
described in detail, for example, may be applied by snap-action
noses 51 provided at the proximal end thereof of a push button
mechanism via a push button fastener 14 as is evident from FIG. 7d
on a magnified scale.
The shank part assembly 1 may comprise a pliable, bent shank tube
12' (FIGS. 1a and 6) or also a straight, rigid shank tube 12 (FIGS.
4 and 5) and has furthermore a connector 11 connected to the
corresponding shank tube 12 or 12' as well as the fastener nut 13
freely rotatable on the latter. The connector 11 comprises a stop
111 (FIG. 4) for both the nut 12 and housing 26.
For guiding and rotatively locking in place a middle part 41 of the
adjusting mechanism 4 by means of a pin 413 protruding from the
latter a longitudinal groove 115 is provided in the shank part 1.
In a tubular runway 117 the middle part 41 is coaxially guided by a
circular-cylindrical raised face 412 (FIG. 5) and the connector 31
by a circular-cylindrical section 3192 (FIG. 2a).
The mechanism assembly 3 provided for transmitting a force and an
axial movement along the shank tube 12 consists in all of three
main components: the connector 31 accommodated mainly in the handle
part 2, the flexible reciprocating part 32 and two thin metal
bodies 33 embedded in the latter (FIG. 2b) which due to their axial
stiffness transmit an axial force. The flexible reciprocating part
32 guides the metal bodies 33 along the neutral fiber whilst
permitting bending in a single axis due to its shell surface area
comprising recesses 321 and circular-cylindrical sections 322.
The force is transmitted at the distal end of the mechanism
assembly 3 by a graduated pusher 34 (FIGS. 7a and 7e) as an axial
compressive force to a corresponding component in a staple
cartridge 5, for example. At its distal end the pusher 34 comprises
a section 341 having a corresponding large diameter so that in
executing, for example, a stapling action the snap-action noses 51
of the push button fastener 14 (see FIG. 7d) are locked in place to
prevent accidental opening by the forward displacement of the
pusher 34 and the flexible reciprocating part 32 in connection
therewith distally. The mechanism assembly 3 is configured tubular
throughout and comprises a preferably central working passage 312
or 323 (guided along the neutral fiber) in which part of the
adjusting mechanism 4 is movingly guided.
Guided on the cylindrical outer surface area 311 of the connector
31 is a spring 318 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The mechanism assembly 3 and
adjusting mechanism assembly 4 are mutually oriented rotatively by
a dowel pin 317 (FIG. 4) and a groove 411a (FIG. 5). The complete
mechanism assembly 3 is pretensioned against an annular stopping
surface area 116 by means of the spring 318 so that the toggle 21,
22 can be returned to the starting position as shown in FIG. 5
after implementation of a stapling action, for example.
For moving the mechanism assembly 3 relative to the shank part
assembly 1 and handle part assembly 2 the transverse pin 222 of the
leg 22 engages the transverse groove 315 in the connector 31, as a
result of which the axial force produced by the toggle 21, 22 is
transmitted to the mechanism assembly 3.
Sliding in the spacious working passage 312 is the middle part 41.
A stopping surface area 3191 of the connector 31 forms with a
stopping surface area 112 of the connector 11 the travel limit of
the mechanism 3. A groove 313 (FIG. 2b) receives the
force-transmitting metal bodies 33 which is fixedly connected to
the connector 31 by rivets 314. The metal bodies 33 are embedded in
the flexible reciprocating part 32 and are thus guided along the
neutral fiber of the shank tube 12.
The flexible reciprocating part 32 comprises the working passage
323, preferably arranged centrally, recesses 321 permitting flexing
of the flexible reciprocating part 32 in complying with the bending
of the shank tube, and circular-cylindrical sections 322 serving,
on the one hand, guidance in both a straight and curved shank tube
and, on the other, to prevent kinking of the metal bodies 33. A
good connection to the flexible reciprocating part 32 is assured by
the perforation of the metal bodies 33.
It is also possible to do away with the metal bodies 33 and to
transmit a force exclusively via the flexible reciprocating part
32. Preferably, further working passageways may be optionally
incorporated in the flexible reciprocating part 32 along the
neutral fiber of the curved shank tube 12 to provide the mechanism
with additional functions, where necessary.
The adjusting mechanism 4 provides the operator with an operating
control on the handle part 2 with the aid of which, for example, an
anvil 7 may be retracted and extended. Mounted in the handle part 2
is a spindle 42 rotatively movable but axially defined by stops 422
and 423 relative to the connector 11 and the housing 26. The
spindle 42 is screwed into a threaded insert 416 of the middle part
41.
Via rivets 453 a core 45, acting as the thrust driving medium, is
connected to the middle part 41, this core comprising a
force-transmitting metal body embedded in a flexible cylindrical
body, preferably made of a plastics material, for guiding and
protective purposes. By means of the core 45 the adjustment travel
is transmitted from the handle part 2 along the shank tube 12 via
the circumferential groove 461 (FIG. 7b) at joint 46, for example,
to a mandrel 6 and the anvil 7.
The middle part 41 is rotatively defined by the pin 413 and the
groove 115 relative to the joint 11. The operating moment for the
adjusting mechanism 4 is transmitted from a handwheel 43 via a pin
436 and a groove 425 to the spindle 43. Pin 436 and groove 425
permit the handwheel 43 to be axially shifted by a predetermined
travel relative to the spindle 42. This movement is counteracted by
a compression spring 44 (indicated merely by a winding) supported
by the housing 26. Turning the handwheel 43 produces a translatory
movement of the middle part 41 as a result of which an anvil, for
example, is adjusted.
In the last proximity portion of, for example, the anvil 7 relative
to the staple cartridge S the pin 413 becomes visible in the
indicator window 252 (FIG. 6) indicating, "STAPLE ON", for example.
A serration 471 of a latch 47 fixedly connected to the middle part
41 mates with the serration 431 of the handwheel 43, therefore
resulting in the adjusting mechanism 4 and thus, for example, the
anvil adjustment being locked.
For a further adjustment the handwheel 43 needs to be pulled out
from the housing 26 against the force of the compression spring 43
so that the serrations 431 and 471 no longer mate, the handwheel 43
then permitting further turning and, for example, a corresponding
gap width setting via the scale 253 (FIG. 6). As soon as a desired
gap width has been set, the handwheel can be released which will
then snap back into place in the housing as urged by the
compression spring 44. The serrations 431 and 471 then re-arrest
the adjusting mechanism 4 and a raised face 441 on the handwheel 43
is only to be seen in the housing window 251 when arresting has
been done correctly (FIG. 6).
The adjustment travel is defined by the stopping surface areas 422
and 417 as well as by the length of the groove 115. It is not until
the adjusting mechanism is in the vernier adjustment range that the
toggle 21, 22 can be operated, i.e. it not being until then that a
stop 223 of the leg 22 is able to pivot through a slot 411 in the
middle part 41.
For connecting a head unit, for example a circular suture stapler,
to the shank part 1 of the apparatus in accordance with the
invention the following individual fasteners are provided:
1.The push button fastener 14 (FIG. 7d) connects the housing of a
head unit via push buttons 51 seated on spring tabs with the shank
tube 12 of the shank part 1, the push buttons 51 engaging
corresponding radial holes in the shank tube 12 of the shank part
1.
2.A mountable connector 46 connects a body 6 of the head unit to
the adjusting mechanism 4, a circular raised face on the inner
contour of the slotted tubular end of the body 6 engaging a
corresponding circumferential groove 461 on the connector 46.
Once the mandrel has been mounted on the connector 46 and travelled
towards the instrument, locking to prevent accidental release
occurs by the graduated pusher 34 preventing radial opening of the
connection on the mandrel 6 by a corresponding fit.
3.The graduated pusher 34 transmits the operating force as an axial
compressive force to the body 52 of-the head unit.
Referring now to FIG. 8a there is illustrated a shank tube 12"
controllably deflectable in a single plane, i.e. from a straight
position as indicated by the bold line into a deflected position on
the right as indicated by the broken line. The shank tube 12" as
shown in FIG. 8a may be fitted instead of an e.g. rigid, straight
shank tube 12 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to the handle part 2 which
otherwise remains unchanged.
Making the adjustment into a deflected position is implementable,
for example, by means of a rotating ring 15" provided at the
proximal end of the shank tube 12", this rotating ring being
integrated directly upstream of a nut 13 (not shown in FIG. 8a) on
the connector 11" and thus in the shank part, with no change to the
handle part assembly.
The rotating ring 15" is guided in a groove 150" configured therein
axially on an annular raised face 16" of the shank tube 12 and
comprises on the inside two opposing coupling links 151" engaging
noses 17" protruding from the connectors 181", 182" and configured
preferably cylindrical. The connectors 181", 182" are rotatively
defined by noses 17" and straight axial grooves 121".
Turning the rotary grip 15" moves the one connector 181" proximally
and the other connector 182" distally; both connectors 181", 182"
then covering the same distance in the opposite direction relative
to the lower end 120" of the shank tube 12". It is due to this
arrangement that the flexible shank tube 12" is deformed
elastically into more or less a circular arc in a portion in which
indentations 122" more or less optionally pliable are provided
between webs 123". In this arrangement the neutral fiber 125" as
indicated dot-dashed in FIG. 8b maintains a constant length.
Further evident from FIG. 8c are tractive driver means 191" and
192" secured at their proximal ends to the connectors 181" and 182"
respectively and at their distal ends diametrally opposing the
proximal end of the flexible shank tube 12" (see FIG. 8b).
A sheath (not shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c) of the shank tube 12" in the
form of a tubing, for example, serves to cover the indentations
122' of the shank tube to thus create a shank tube 12" which is
smooth inside and out.
The rotating ring 15" is configured self-locking to safeguard
against accidental rotation and thus a deflection of the shank tube
2" (not shown in FIG. 8c) or it is provided with a breakaway lock
(likewise not shown). To facilitate assembly the grooves 151"
configured skew in the rotating ring 15" and serving as coupling
links comprise a preferably axial groove orientation (not shown in
FIG. 8c).
List of Reference Numerals
1 shank part assembly
11 connector
111 stop for 13 and 26
112 surface area of 11
1111 tee-shaped window in 11
1112 narrow portion
1113 wide portion
115 longitudinal groove
116 annular stopping surface area
117 tubular runway
12 straight shank tube
12' shank tube bent in a single axis
12" flexible shank tube
120" end of 12"
122' indentation
123' web
13 fastener nut
14 push button fastener for 5
15" rotating ring
150" groove
151" groove
16" annular raised face
17" noses
181" connector
182" connector
191" tractive driver means
192" tractive driver means
2 handle part assembly
21 lever
211 lock
212 leg spring
22 leg
221 pin
222 connector
223 stop
251 adjusting mechanism checking indicator
252 window indicating "vernier adjustment range"
253 gap width scale
26 housing
261 tee-shaped window in 26
262 thread
27 assembly groove
28 mounting pads
281 cavity
282 thread
283 pin
3 mechanism assembly
31 connector for 32
311 cylindrical surface area of 31
312 working passage
313 groove
314 rivets
315 transverse groove
316 longitudinal groove
317 dowel pin
318 spring
3191 stopping surface area on 31
3192 cylindrical section of 31
32 flexible reciprocating part
321 recesses in 32
322 cylindrical sections of 32
323 working passage
33 force-transmitting metal bodies
34 graduated pusher
341 section of 34
4 adjusting mechanism assembly
41 middle part of 4
411 slot in 41
411a groove
412 cylindrical raised face
413 pin
416 threaded insert
417 face surface area
42 spindle
422 surface area
423 stop
425 groove
43 handwheel
431 serration
436 pin
44 compression spring
441 raised face
45 core
453 rivets
46 joint
461 transverse groove in 46
47 latch
471 serration on latch 47
5 staple cartridge
51 snap-action nose
52 body
6 mandrel
7 clincher insertion head
* * * * *